Bright Forest

Chapter 23

The camp bathed in a soft light, and several cats were waiting impatiently.

Rustpaw and Dovepaw were already awake and hyped.

-It's my first battle... against a clan, I mean.

-Nah I've already had one against DawnClan since there was a drought last greenleaf... speaking of seasons, it sure is getting cold!

-Yeah...

-Also, what did you want to talk to me about yesterday? We got a little carried away with Frondstar...

Rustpaw froze. -I, uh... I'll tell you later.

-Hm...- the she-cat's eyes glimmered. -What's it about?

-Something's off with Viperbite. That's all that I can tell you without waking the others up with good ol' Viperbite and his weird missions.

-Oh, okay then?

They saw Bristleglade trotting in camp and towards the apprentices' den.

-Quick, she's coming! Pretend you're asleep!- whispered Dovepaw.

-Oh jeez... don't move like that, you're gonna get caught!

-Ssh!

The deputy peeked in the den. -Hey, I saw you two!

-I told you to not move...

-I told you to not speak!

The two looked at each other with a playful hate. Bristleglade rolled her eyes.

-Are you two gonna stand there and do nothing? Dovepaw, go wake Skypaw and the others. Rustpaw, you'll help Sliverstone with herbs. I'll go wake the warriors up... and shut their mouths.

-Huh? Why?- asked the apprentice, leaving the den.

-Well, Viperbite and Firedusk keep arguing. We even tried separating the nests, but they sure are persistent...

Rustpaw squeezed in the medicine cat den. Sliverstone jumped in surprise. -Gah! Oh, it's you...

-Hey, Bristleglade told me to help you with herbs...

-Oh right, bring these two in the warriors' den and these to the apprentices' den, oh and you can already eat your bundle.

-Okay!- he sniffed at the green leaves and began chewing them. Suddenly a sour taste filled his mouth. -Ew... do we have to eat these?

-Yep. Since we don't have time to eat and we're still exhausted from yesterday's Gathering, these bad boys will keep you energized before you collapse from sleep on the battlefield!- explained the medicine cat. -Come on, we have a fight to win!

Rustpaw nodded and trotted to the apprentices' den. By the time he returned they were already awake. -I brought you herbs.

-Thanks.- mewed Risingpaw.

-Can't wait to taste them...- grumbled Patchpaw.

After eating the leaves they started to chat a little.

-So, um, Rustpaw... do you know anything about this whole thing?- asked Skypaw, licking her paw.

The ginger tom shivered. How would they react if they knew the truth? Would they even believe him? He looked at the cats, who were waiting for an answer.

-I think I know too much, but I'll have to discuss it with Bristleglade.

All of the apprentices gave each other worried looks. Before they could say anything, they heard a powerful yowl from the camp. All of the cats went out of their dens to see Bristleglade on the Tall Pine, alongside Frondstar. The deputy looked more invigorated than before, her blue eyes were shining with determination. -Cats of DoveClan, we need to prepare for battle. I'll stay in camp with Firedusk, Risingpaw and Patchpaw. The others will be led by Frondstar. Is everyone ready?